As national trainers with Sources of Strength, we are gifted with the opportunity to travel across Canada, stepping into schools and communities to witness the extraordinary resilience of young people. These experiences offer us profound insights into the vast spectrum of challenges and triumphs that shape their lives.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
On one end, we see students surrounded by resources, extracurricular opportunities, and strong support systems—yet many still struggle silently with internal battles. On the other end, we step into communities where young people navigate the weight of economic hardship, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers—yet they persist, fueled by an unwavering hope for a brighter future.
In mid-October, I walked into Frontier Collegiate School, a boarding school in Northern Manitoba that houses nearly 200 students. It was a cold, freezing morning, but I had no idea that I was about to enter a space that would warm my heart and refill my own cup in ways I never expected.
Unlike traditional school settings where students return home daily, these young people spend their weeks living on campus, separated from their families and familiar communities. Every Sunday, they travel back to school, carrying with them the weight of responsibility—the hope of being the first in their families to pursue higher education, the pressure to succeed, and the challenge of building a new community far from home.
Strength in Community: The Power of Affirmation
Despite these challenges, the students of Frontier Collegiate exude strength. Their wisdom, self-awareness, and compassion for one another were among the most profound I have ever witnessed. They refuse to be defined by adversity; instead, they use it as fuel to rise, support one another, and create meaningful change within their school and beyond.
One of the most powerful moments of our training was the Strength Affirmation Activity. Each Peer Leader was given a stack of sticky notes and asked to write down the strengths they saw in their peers, sticking them onto each other’s backs. What followed was a beautiful, deeply emotional exchange of affirmation.
As the students read the words written about them—resilient, compassionate, leader, strong, brave—I saw their faces light up with a mix of surprise and validation. These affirmations became anchors, reminders of their own power to navigate life’s challenges.
One student, in particular, shared an affirmation that struck me deeply:
“I am the light in my darkest moments.”
These words encapsulated the spirit of Sources of Strength—helping young people see the hope, strength, and support systems that exist within and around them, even in their most difficult times.
How Sources of Strength Elevates Youth Voices
At Sources of Strength, we believe in the power of connection, community, and resilience. Our program equips young people with the tools to:
- Recognize and amplify their strengths
- Build supportive networks with trusted peers and adults
- Foster an inclusive and strength-based culture in schools and communities
The students at Frontier Collegiate remind us that resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving, uplifting others, and becoming leaders in their own right.
Bringing Sources of Strength to More Communities in Canada
At Sources of Strength, we believe in the power of connection, belonging, and resilience. Our program is designed to equip young people with tools to recognize their strengths, lean on trusted peers and adults, and build communities rooted in hope and well-being. The students of Frontier Collegiate are a testament to the impact of this work—demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, they have the power to uplift themselves and those around them.
If you want to bring Sources of Strength into your school or community in Manitoba or across Canada, and be part of a movement that empowers young people to rise strong, let’s connect.
Together, we can build a future where every student knows their worth, embraces their strengths, and supports one another in a cycle of hope and resilience.
👉 Click here for more information on our Secondary Program.
Written by National Trainer, Sia Moiwa
Manitoba Rising Strong: How Youth Harness Strength, Wisdom, and Resilience to Overcome Adversity
Written by National Trainer, Sia Moiwa
As national trainers with Sources of Strength, we are gifted with the opportunity to travel across the country, stepping into schools and communities to witness the extraordinary resilience of young people. These experiences offer us profound insights into the vast spectrum of challenges and triumphs that shape their lives.
On one end, we see students surrounded by resources, extracurricular opportunities, and strong support systems—yet many still struggle silently with internal battles. On the other end, we step into communities where young people navigate the weight of economic hardship, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers—yet they persist, fueled by an unwavering hope for a brighter future.
In mid-October, I walked into Frontier Collegiate School, a boarding school in Northern Manitoba that houses nearly 200 students. It was a cold, freezing morning, but I had no idea that I was about to enter a space that would warm my heart and refill my own cup in ways I never expected.
Unlike traditional school settings where students return home daily, these young people spend their weeks living on campus, separated from their families and familiar communities. Every Sunday, they travel back to school, carrying with them the weight of responsibility—the hope of being the first in their families to pursue higher education, the pressure to succeed, and the challenge of building a new community far from home.
Despite these challenges, the students of Frontier Collegiate exude strength. Their wisdom, self-awareness, and compassion for one another were among the most profound I have ever witnessed. They refuse to be defined by adversity; instead, they use it as fuel to rise, support one another, and create meaningful change within their school and beyond.
One of the most powerful moments of our training was the Strength Affirmation Activity. Each Peer Leader was given a stack of sticky notes and asked to write down the strengths they saw in their peers, sticking them onto each other’s backs. What followed was a beautiful, deeply emotional exchange of affirmation. As the students read the words written about them—resilient, compassionate, leader, strong, brave—I saw their faces light up with a mix of surprise and validation. These affirmations became anchors, reminders of their own power to navigate life’s challenges.
One student, in particular, shared an affirmation that struck me deeply: “I am the light in my darkest moments.” These words encapsulated the spirit of Sources of Strength—helping young people see the hope, strength, and support systems that exist within and around them, even in their most difficult times.
At Sources of Strength, we believe in the power of connection, belonging, and resilience. Our program is designed to equip young people with tools to recognize their strengths, lean on trusted peers and adults, and build communities rooted in hope and well-being. The students of Frontier Collegiate are a testament to the impact of this work—demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, they have the power to uplift themselves and those around them.
If you want to bring Sources of Strength into your school or community and be part of a movement that empowers a well world of young people to rise strong, let’s connect. Together, we can build a future where every student knows their worth, embraces their strengths, and supports one another in a cycle of hope and resilience.